Saturday, November 20, 2010

Incredible TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits



If you're a Disney fan who also have a motorbike you should enjoy this incredible TRON Legacy leather motorcycle Suits created by UD Replicas who did previously an incredibly perfect Batman - Dark Knight costume replica.

Developed for both male and female Fans, TRON: LEGACY
 Motorcycle Suits will celebrate the film’s debut this december. UD Replicas takes motorcycle riders and movie fans into the world of TRON: LEGACY in which Flynn and other TRON characters ride spectacular lightcyles, and the rules of reality don’t apply, with its magnificently detailed TRON: LEGACY “Movie Replica” Motorcycle Suits, which are now available for purchase online at www.UDReplicas.com.

Designed under license from Disney Consumer Products and painstakingly handcrafted from leather, the TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits replicate the awe-inspiring look of the costumes worn on screen by heroic Sam Flynn and Quorra. The TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits mark the first time UD Replicas has offered designs for both men and women.

“Our designers have worked closely with Disney to ensure that we capture the absolutely incredible look of TRON: LEGACY,” said UD Replicas owner David Pea. “The reaction we got to these suits at Comic-Con was overwhelming, and we’re very excited to be able to deliver them to fans before this amazing film opens in theaters.”



Each TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suit is created from hand-crafted leather that features a silicone hexagonal print that matches the highly detailed designs seen in the film. To protect wearers, all TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits incorporate removable CE-approved body armor in the forearm and elbow, shoulder, along the back spine, and in the knee, shin and thighs areas. The suits also feature extremely light sensitive-reflective accents to create the ethereal, computer-generated glow so closely identified with the world of TRON.

UD Replicas has also designed a leather-encased “identity disc” that is molded into the back of each TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suit. All suits feature heavy-duty stretch Spandex inserts and intricate leather detailing, while the female Quorra suit jacket offers design features that enhance the female form. Both the Sam Flynn and Quorra TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits will be limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide.



UD Replicas, the officially licensed division of Universal Designs, is offering its TRON: LEGACY Motorcycle Suits exclusively online. The TRON: LEGACY jacket, pants, gloves and boots can be purchased separately or as a complete set for $995 (U.S.) for the male version and $899 for the female version. Payment may be split into three equal installments by following ordering instructions at www.udreplicas.com.

Pictures: copyright UD Replica - Disney

Friday, November 19, 2010

2011 Movies update : The Year of the Aliens



Let's have a little look at upcoming 2011 movies. It seems that it'll be "the year of the aliens" as there is currently in production several movies on that theme. The first one below is not an "Earth vs Aliens" movie but the DC Comics superhero - Green Lantern - takes his power from extra-terrestrials as you will see in the HD trailer below. It looks better than i thought and here is the official synopsis:

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax...he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.








Next, "Battle: Los Angeles". This one is a typical "Earth vs Aliens" and L.A seems to be the battleground! Here is the synopsis and the HD trailer:

For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world - Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world's great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It's up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before.








Last but not least "Cowboys & Aliens". Yep, that's right, the action is in 1873, in the old wild west! I know that a fight between aliens and cowboys seems a bit hard to swallow but it's an adaptation of a successful graphic novel, it's a Dreamworks production, Steven Spielberg himself is the producer, it's directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man's director) and Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell are playing in it. That's right, Harrison Ford is playing in a movie where 19th century cowboys are fighting aliens! So, with all this it can be that bad, right? Here is the synopsis and the first HD trailer:

1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger (Daniel Craig) with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don't welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford). It's a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he's been, he realizes he holds a secret that could give the town a fighting chance against the alien force. With the help of the elusive traveler Ella (Olivia Wilde), he pulls together a posse comprised of former opponents--townsfolk, Dolarhyde and his boys, outlaws and Apache warriors--all in danger of annihilation. United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival.



Pictures and videos: copyright Dreamworks, Universal, Warner Bros, Columbia Pictures

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Tired to wait for Star Tours 2 opening ? There is an App for that !



Tired to wait for the Star Tours 2 opening? Then download on your IPhone the new Star Wars App game called Star Wars Arcade Falcon Gunner which will transform YOUR environment in an epic battleground against the forces of the Empire.

In this new game developed by Vertigore Games you're the Millenium Falcon gunner desperately trying to shoot the TIE fighters. BUT - and this is the great idea - the app will use the camera of your IPhone to introduce augmented reality in the game. In two words: the background image of the game is what your IPhone camera see. The augmented reality takes your surroundings and sticks them outside your Millenium Falcon. Whether it's the New York skyline or a parking lot, you'll be able to blast TIE Fighters out of the sky as if they were invading right now, in our galaxy. The game also features other great moments from the Star Wars universe like the escape from the Death Star, the Battle of Hoth and you even have the option of switching between rendered backgrounds and augmented reality scenery from your device's camera.

Have a look at the test video below and here is the ITunes link for those of you interested to download the app!



Picture and Video: Copyright Lucas Film

Former Pleasure Island area will become Hyperion Wharf



The former Pleasure Island area will soon become Hyperion Wharf". No more adventurer's Club, unfortunately... More details about all this in the WDW press release...and the renderings! And if the new design reminds you DCA Paradise Pier area may be it's not a coincidence...

Vibrant Waterfront District Among Plans for Downtown Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2010) – Work will soon begin on a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island and other one-of-a-kind experiences as Walt Disney World Resort continues to bring new stories to life at Downtown Disney. Combined, the projects are expected to create an estimated 1,200 new jobs over the next three years.

“We have made great progress since first announcing our vision to bring new shopping, dining and entertainment experiences to Downtown Disney, many of which can’t be found anywhere else and have already become guest favorites,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We look forward to providing even more ways for our guests to enjoy Downtown Disney, while at the same time creating new jobs for Central Floridians.”

A nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier will evolve Pleasure Island into “Hyperion Wharf.” By day, the bustling port district will draw guests in with its stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.



Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first major animation studio, the wharf district also will feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced pedestrian walkways. Its diverse eateries will expand dining availability at Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent.

“Hyperion Wharf will offer guests of all ages a vibrant atmosphere and new experiences that can be enjoyed by day or by night,” said Bradford. “Whether looking for a great place to dine with the whole family or a place to relax and enjoy live music, Hyperion Wharf will provide the perfect setting for guests to make new memories with us.”



In addition to the new wharf district, numerous other projects are underway at Downtown Disney, including:

· an extensive renovation of Lego Imagination Center, which will increase its overall footprint by nearly 3,500 square-feet and add new Lego exterior models featuring scenes from classic Disney movies;
· enhancements at AMC that will take the movie-going experience at Downtown Disney to the next level with new digital technology, a paradigm-shifting Concession Stand of the Future and Florida’s first Fork & Screen Theater; and
· numerous new or renovated retail shops and merchandise vignettes, as well as additional atmosphere entertainment, throughout Downtown Disney.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Cars 2 - First Trailer and High-res Pictures



Disney released today the Cars 2 first trailer which looks exciting. You'll find it below in the american and french version but, before, new high-res pics which will also do great wallpaper pictures for you desktop if you're a Cars fan.



Below Lightning McQueen and a new female Cars character in the Tokyo scenes.





On the next picture Finn McMissile - the british secret service character - which will have the voice of the great Michael Caine.



The two Cars on the picture below looks like the bad guys of the movie, and yes they are!



A last picture with two Hench cars.



Here is the american trailer and i remind you that the music score is written this time by Michael Giacchino which is probably a very good choice considering the "James Bond" style of the movie.




And for my french readers here is the french version of the trailer. You'll note that they are not totally the same and that the one above include few more shots of the movie.




While we talk about Cars, i'd like to let you know that the Cars Toon Dvd and Blu-Ray - as well as the Toy Story 3 - are now released. The Cars toon is definitely great an include NEW and hilarious Mater Tall Tales including "Mater on the Moon" or "Mater private eye" a tribute to Humphrey Bogart and Roman Polanski's Chinatown. You can find these great Dvds on the Disney and more Amazon Store HERE!



Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar

Monday, November 15, 2010

Filming 20000 Leagues under the Sea - A 1954 LIFE Magazine Special Report



Back in 1954 the great LIFE magazine photographers were everywhere, even under water as you will see with this rare LIFE special report on the filming of 20000 Leagues under the Sea in the Bahamas.

Above, the great February 22, 1954 LIFE issue cover. Below Director Richard Fleischer poses in one of the famous Nautilus crewmen diving suits.



This next pictures shows the shooting of the underwater funeral procession while a scene coordinator hovers above them. The actors had to wait four weeks to shoot the scene because bad weather made the depths too murky.



Below, propmen drag a 400 pound net of Bahama Crayfish for one of the movie's sequence.



On the picture below a scene coordinator writes instructions to one of the actors using a grease crayon.



On the next picture the propmen releases off-camera off-camera groupers purchased at a fish market - note on the left Captain Nemo's crewmen.



Below, another propmen waits for the proper moment in the scene to release two more crayfish into view of the camera.



On the picture below, cameramen use an underwater camera scatfold to shoot a scene from afar while a safety coordinator watches for emergency hand signals from the actor-divers.



Below, actors playing Captain Nemo's crewmen use four-pronged pitchforks to "harvest seaweed" as a propman passes them a net they need for the scene.



On the next picture former Navy master diver Fred Zendar, the underwater coordinator, directs 20000 Leagues cameraman - note how big were underwater cameras in those days.



Below, an underwater propman carries a 9-foot wooden wrench which will be used in the scene where the Nautilus crewmen leave the submarine to repair a crippled propeller.



Salvage man Frank Higgins takes an underwater nap. As the only member of the team whose suit had surface air-lines and a built-in telephone Higgins was underwater for most of the day and had to grab rest whenever he could.



Director Richard Fleisher, coordinator Zendar and chief cameraman Till Gabani hold a meeting above water to discuss changes in the shooting plans.



On this last picture LIFE movie editor Mary Leatherbee covering the story in scuba gear.



Pictures and captions: copyright LIFE magazine.

Prep and Landing - Full Movie



Jim Hill did today an interesting article about the new Prep and Landing short animated to be aired December 7th. He also talks about the upcoming sequel to the first part which will be released in 2011. And this reminded me that i've never watched the first Prep and Landing as it has not been released yet on dvd or aired on European TV channels. May be it was on the European Disney Channel but as i don't spend my time watching it i missed it anyway.

Considering that the first Prep and Landing was released one year ago i thought that it should be possible to find it on internet and i was right. As i won't be surprised if some of you living outside the U.S have never watched, just like me, this animated jewel who won an Emmy Award here it is below. And then, don't forget to have a look at Jim Hill's article to learn more about the upcoming sequels.




Video: copyright Disney